Octogenarian patients and laser-assisted lead extraction: Should we put a limit?

Background: Transvenous laser lead extraction (TLE) for cardiac implantable electric devices (CIED) is a challenging procedure especially if performed in octogenarians. In this study we evaluated the safety and efficacy of transvenous laser lead extraction in elderly patients.

Methods: This is a retrospective study of octogenarian patients who underwent laser-assisted lead extraction (LLE) (GlideLight laser sheath, Philips, San Diego, USA).

Temporary circulatory support with surgically implanted microaxial pumps in postcardiotomy cardiogenic shock following coronary artery bypass surgery.

Objectives: Patients with ischemic cardiomyopathy undergoing coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) surgery may develop postcardiotomy cardiogenic shock. In these cases, implantation of an Impella 5.0 or 5.

Symptomatic Upper Extremity Deep Venous Thrombosis After Laser Lead Extraction.

Introduction: Laser lead extraction is a well-established method for removing unwanted leads with low morbidity and mortality. In this small series of cases, we documented our experience with venous thrombosis after laser lead extraction.

Methods: Retrospective data of patients who underwent laser lead extraction with postoperative axillo-subclavian vein thrombosis between May 2010 and January 2020 were analyzed.

Anterior Access to the Cervicothoracic Junction via Partial Sternotomy: A Clinical Series Reporting on Technical Feasibility, Postoperative Morbidity, and Early Surgical Outcome.

Surgical access to the cervicothoracic junction (CTJ) is challenging. The aim of this study was to assess technical feasibility, early morbidity, and outcome in patients undergoing anterior access to the CTJ via partial sternotomy. Consecutive cases with CTJ pathology treated via anterior access and partial sternotomy at a single academic center from 2017 to 2022 were retrospectively reviewed.

Risk of venous occlusion after lead laser extraction preventing future lead implantation.

Background: Lead laser extraction is a well-established method for removing unwanted leads with low morbidity and mortality.

Objective: In this observational study, we documented our experience with venous occlusion after lead laser extraction.

Methods: Retrospective data of patients who underwent lead laser extraction between May 2010 and August 2018 was analyzed.

Are Sutureless and Rapid-Deployment Aortic Valves a Serious Alternative to TA-TAVI? A Matched-Pairs Analysis.

Background: Transcatheter aortic valve implantation is a feasible alternative to conventional aortic valve replacement with expanding indication extending to low-risk patients. Sutureless and rapid-deployment aortic valves were developed to decrease procedural risks in conventional treatment. This paired-match analysis aims to compare patients undergoing surgical transcatheter aortic valve implantation to sutureless and rapid-deployment aortic valve implantation.

A Clean Cut: Minimally Invasive Mitral Valve Replacement after Heart Transplantation.

A 50-year-old female presented with progressive heart failure due to obstruction of the mitral valve after heart transplantation in 2008. Through the occlusion catheter (IntraClude Intra-Aortic Occlusion Device), aortic cross-clamping, antegrade cardioplegia, and aortic root venting were performed. Our case reports the first published study on minimally invasive mitral valve replacement for valve stenosis through intraluminal aortic clamping.

Epicardial pacemaker as a bridge for pacemaker-dependent patients undergoing explantation of infected cardiac implantable electronic devices.

Background And Aim Of The Study: Cardiac implantable electronic device (CIED) implantation is associated with an increase in CIED infection. For pacemaker-dependent patients, temporary pacemaker leads are implanted until infection remission, which allows new CIED implantation. We compared the outcome of pacemaker-dependent patients with infected CIED based on whether a combined single procedure of epicardial pacemaker implantation with system extraction or a temporary transjugular pacemaker implantation with interval system implantation was performed.

Computer-based comparison of different methods for selecting mitral annuloplasty ring size.

Background: Ring sizing for mitral valve annuloplasty is conventionally done intraoperatively using specific 'sizer' instruments, which are placed onto the valve tissue. This approach is barely reproducible since different sizing strategies have been established among surgeons. The goal of this study is to virtually apply different sizing methods on the basis of pre-repair echocardiography to find out basic differences between sizing strategies.

The geometrical effect of different annuloplasty rings on mitral valve annulus.

Background: Different types of mitral annuloplasty rings are commercially available. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of implantation of six types of annuloplasty rings on the geometry and dynamics of the mitral valve.

Methods: Three-dimensional echocardiography images of 42 patients were acquired to visualize the mitral valve annulus.

Intraoperative Quantitative Mitral Valve Analysis Using Optical Tracking Technology.

Purpose: Analysis of mitral valve morphology during reconstruction is routinely based on visual assessment and subjective, poorly reproducible measurements. We prove the feasibility of a new intraoperative system for quantitative mitral valve analysis.

Description: The proposed computer-based assistance system enables accurate intraoperative localization of anatomic landmarks on the mitral valve apparatus using optical tracking technology.

Accuracy evaluation of a mitral valve surgery assistance system based on optical tracking.

Purpose: Mitral valve reconstruction is a widespread surgical method to repair incompetent mitral valves, which usually includes implantation of a ring prosthesis. To date, intraoperative analysis of the mitral valve is merely based on visual assessment using simple surgical tools, which might not allow for accurate assessment of the complex anatomy.

Methods: We propose a novel intraoperative computer-based assistance system, which combines passive optical tracking technology with tailored measurement strategies applicable during different phases of the intraoperative workflow.

The number of wires for sternal closure has a significant influence on sternal complications in high-risk patients.

Objectives: Sternal dehiscence and mediastinitis are rare but serious complications following cardiac surgery. The aim of this study was to investigate the influence of the number of sternal wires used for chest closure on sternal complications.

Methods: From May 2003 to April 2007, 4714 adult patients received cardiac surgery in our institute.